# GHK-CU dosage & reconstitution (50 mg vial)

GHK-CU dosage: calculations for a 50 mg vial use the same amounts described in the literature. Adding 2 mL of bacteriostatic water produces 25 mg/mL, so each U-100 unit contains 250 mcg.

- **Vial contents:** 50 mg GHK-CU
- **Final volume:** 2 mL
- **Concentration:** 25 mg/mL
- **One U-100 unit:** 250 mcg in 0.01 mL

## Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
Educational guide for reconstitution and daily dosing

### Standard / Conservative Approach (5 days/week) (2 mL = ~25 mg/mL)

| Week / phase | Daily dose | Units per injection (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1-4 | 1 mg (1000 mcg) | 4 units (0.04 mL) |
| Weeks 5-8 | 1.5 mg (1500 mcg) | 6 units (0.06 mL) |
| Weeks 9-12+ | 2 mg (2000 mcg) | 8 units (0.08 mL) |

Frequency: Once daily, subcutaneously, at a consistent time.

### Reconstitution Steps

1. Draw 2 mL of bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
2. Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid shaking to prevent foaming.
3. Gently swirl or roll until fully dissolved (clear solution).
4. Label with the reconstitution date and refrigerate at 2–8 °C, protected from light; use within 4 weeks.

### Alternative Protocol (3 times weekly) (2 mL = ~25 mg/mL)

| Week / phase | Weekly dose | Units per injection (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1-12+ | 2 mg (2000 mcg) | 8 units (0.08 mL) |

Frequency: Three times weekly, subcutaneously, at a consistent time.

Important: this guide is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. For research use only. Not for human consumption.

## U-100 Conversion Table

| U-100 units | Volume | Contains | Yield per vial |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 0.02 mL | 500 mcg | 100 injections |
| 5 | 0.05 mL | 1.25 mg (1250 mcg) | 40 injections |
| 10 | 0.10 mL | 2.5 mg (2500 mcg) | 20 injections |
| 20 | 0.20 mL | 5 mg (5000 mcg) | 10 injections |
| 30 | 0.30 mL | 7.5 mg (7500 mcg) | 6 injections |
| 50 | 0.50 mL | 12.5 mg (12500 mcg) | 4 injections |
| 100 | 1.00 mL | 25 mg (25000 mcg) | 2 injections |

## Supplies Needed

**GHK-CU vials (50 mg each)**
- Standard / Conservative Approach (5 days/week), 12 weeks: Minimum 3 vials (126 mg required).
- Standard / Conservative Approach (5 days/week), 24 weeks: Minimum 6 vials (294 mg required).
- Alternative Protocol (3 times weekly), 12 weeks: Minimum 2 vials (72 mg required).
- Alternative Protocol (3 times weekly), 24 weeks: Minimum 3 vials (144 mg required).

**U-100 syringes (1 mL)**
- Standard / Conservative Approach (5 days/week), 12 weeks: 84 new syringes for 84 injections.
- Standard / Conservative Approach (5 days/week), 24 weeks: 168 new syringes for 168 injections.
- Alternative Protocol (3 times weekly), 12 weeks: 36 new syringes for 36 injections.
- Alternative Protocol (3 times weekly), 24 weeks: 72 new syringes for 72 injections.

**Bacteriostatic water**
- Standard / Conservative Approach (5 days/week), 12 weeks: 6 mL total (2 mL per vial) → 2 × 3 mL vials.
- Standard / Conservative Approach (5 days/week), 24 weeks: 12 mL total (2 mL per vial) → 4 × 3 mL vials.
- Alternative Protocol (3 times weekly), 12 weeks: 4 mL total (2 mL per vial) → 2 × 3 mL vials.
- Alternative Protocol (3 times weekly), 24 weeks: 6 mL total (2 mL per vial) → 2 × 3 mL vials.

**Alcohol swabs**
- Standard / Conservative Approach (5 days/week), 12 weeks: 168 minimum; one box of 100 does not cover the calculation.
- Standard / Conservative Approach (5 days/week), 24 weeks: 336 minimum; one box of 100 does not cover the calculation.
- Alternative Protocol (3 times weekly), 12 weeks: 72 minimum; one box of 100 covers the calculation.
- Alternative Protocol (3 times weekly), 24 weeks: 144 minimum; one box of 100 does not cover the calculation.

## Storage Instructions

- Lyophilized (unopened): −20 °C for long-term storage; 2–8 °C if used within weeks. Protected from light.
- Reconstituted: 2–8 °C, do not freeze. Use within the documented period (typically up to 4 weeks with bacteriostatic water).
- Handling: do not shake; avoid temperature cycling; label with date and concentration.
- Discard: cloudy solutions, particulates or expired preparations are discarded.

## How This Works

GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine-Copper) is a tripeptide-metal complex where the GHK peptide (MW: 340 Da free form) chelates a cupric ion (Cu²⁺), forming a stable blue-violet complex (MW: 402 Da). Originally discovered in human serum, plasma, and saliva, GHK-Cu decreases with age (from ~200 ng/mL at age 20 to ~80 ng/mL at age 60), correlating with regenerative decline. Molecular Structure and Chelation: Gly-His-Lys Cupric ion: square planar coordination Chelation sites: imidazole nitrogen (His), terminal amino group (Gly), carboxyl oxygen Constant stability: log K = 16.4 (high affinity Cu²⁺) Characteristic color: blue-purple (Cu²⁺ d-d transition) Pleiotropic Molecular Mechanisms: Extracellular Matrix Remodeling: Collagen/Elastin Synthesis Upregulation of type I collagen: +70% in dermal fibroblasts Type III collagen: +50% Elastin: 80% increase (improved skin elasticity) Decorin, lumican: proteoglycan modulation MMP/TIMP Regulation: MMP-1 (collagenase): 75% reduction (prevention of collagen degradation) MMP-2: gelatinase activity modulation TIMP-1/2: increased inhibitors (remodeling balance) Potent Antioxidant Activity: Ferrous iron chelation (Fe²⁺): Fenton reaction prevention…

## Research FAQ

**P: GHK-Cu vs. free GHK (copper-free)?** Copper is essential for full activity:
**What is the optimal concentration for topical applications?** R: It depends on the objective:
**Stability in cosmetic formulations?** Formulation Considerations:
**Synergistic combinations for skin regeneration?** R: Validated Combinations:
**Safety of systemic copper in prolonged studies?** Typical GHK-Cu dosage: 1-5 mg/kg (0.3-1.5 mg Cu²⁺/kg)

## References

1. Pickart L, Margolina A. (2018) “Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data” – Int J Mol Sci 19(7):1987. [PubMed: 29966389]
2. Pickart L, et al. (2012) “The human tri-peptide GHK-Cu in prevention of oxidative stress and degenerative conditions of aging: implications for cognitive health” – Oxidation and Cellular Longevity 2012:324832. [PubMed: 22685618]
3. Choi HR, et al. (2012) “Gly-His-Lys-Cu enhances wound healing and skin regeneration by upregulating expressions of VEGF and FGF2” – Archives of Dermatological Research 304(2):151-159. [PubMed: 22072067]
4. Pyo SJ, et al. (2022) “GHK-Cu promotes collagen synthesis and extends human fibroblast lifespan via telomerase activation” – J Dermatol Sci 106(2):89-97. [PubMed: 35340156]
5. Hong Y, et al. (2015) “GHK-Cu accelerates cutaneous wound healing via activation of TGF-β1 and Smad2/3 signaling” – Wound Repair Regen 23(1):65-73. [PubMed: 25403381]
6. Miller DM, et al. (1990) “Copper binding to the N-terminal amino group and the first peptide bond of glycyl peptides” – J Inorg Biochem 38(3):165-180. [PubMed: 2324530]
7. Arul V, et al. (2005) “Glycyl-histidyl-lysine (GHK) stimulates the proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts and promotes wound contraction” – Wound Repair Regen 13(1):63-72. [PubMed: 15659037]
8. Canapp SO, et al. (2016) “Topical GHK-Cu accelerates wound healing in dogs” – Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association 52(5):278-285. [PubMed: 27487382]

---
Source: https://protocolopeptidos.com/en/compuestos/ghk-cu-50mg · Important: this guide is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. For research use only. Not for human consumption.